The best spelling and vocabulary apps for kids 5 to 8 in 2027 include KidNation’s Word Ninja, Wonster Words, Spelling Shed, Starfall, Khan Academy Kids, Duolingo ABC, Reading Eggs and Teach Your Monster to Read.

The right one depends on how your kid learns. Some kids like drills. Others only spell when they don’t notice they’re practicing.

Heads-up: KidNation is our app. We checked every other app’s App Store page on November 6, 2026.

Quick picks

Our comparison sheet puts all eight apps in one table.

The list

1. KidNation’s Word Ninja (our app)

Most spelling apps hand your kid a word list. Word Ninja begins with a video your kid chose. Afterward, it takes words from that video and makes them part of a ninja spelling game. If your kid just watched a song about planets, “planet” shows up while the word still means something.

KidNation is for kids 5 to 8 and has zero ads. It also includes a hand-picked video and music library with songs by our co-founder, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges. Its Storyteller reads your kid a new story they helped invent.

The app is freemium. A new version is coming, so join the waitlist.

2. Wonster Words

Monsters, phonics and spelling. The App Store listing quotes a parent whose 3rd grader used it to prepare for weekly spelling tests. It has no ads, works offline and uses a subscription you can cancel anytime.

3. Spelling Shed

Built for school. Kids play spelling games from word lists, online or offline.

The app costs money up front. The full curriculum requires a subscription through the Spelling Shed website. If your kid’s school already uses it, start here.

4. Starfall

Starfall offers free phonics basics with no ads, including for free users. A subscription adds more content. It covers pre-K to grade 5 and needs an internet connection.

5. Khan Academy Kids

Free. No ads or subscription.

Spelling isn’t the main event, but its reading and phonics games serve kids ages 2 to 8.

6. Duolingo ABC

Duolingo ABC has more than 700 free lessons for preschool through 2nd grade. It has no ads or in-app purchases and works well for kids who are still sounding out words.

One concern: its last App Store update was in August 2023.

7. Reading Eggs

Reading Eggs is a subscription reading course with programs for ages 2 to 13. Its main program, for ages 3 to 7, covers phonics, sight words, spelling, vocabulary and comprehension.

8. Teach Your Monster to Read

This one-time paid app is for ages 3 to 6, with no ads or in-app purchases. Your kid builds a monster and teaches it letter sounds.

It suits kids at the youngest end of the 5-to-8 range. Older kids may find it too easy.

How we picked

Each app had to teach spelling, phonics or vocabulary to children in or near the 5-to-8 age range. When an App Store listing didn’t mention ads, we wrote “not stated.” We didn’t guess.

Questions parents ask

How can I help my 6-year-old learn spelling words?

Short, regular practice usually works better than long, occasional sessions. Five minutes a day is easier to maintain than one large session on Sunday.

Words also tend to stick when they mean something to the child. That’s why Word Ninja uses words from videos they picked.

Are there free spelling apps without ads?

Yes. Khan Academy Kids and Duolingo ABC are free with no ads. Starfall’s free section has no ads too.

What age should kids start spelling apps?

Several apps here begin around preschool with letter sounds. Spelling practice usually suits kids ages 5 and up.

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Join the KidNation waitlist for spelling practice based on videos your kid already loves.